10 Foods and Drinks Banned in America

The Taiwanese food-specialty 'pig’s blood cake,' is banned in America.

At one moment or another, we have probably all said it: "I would never eat that!"

Just as people around the world have different customs and beliefs, we also all have different food preferences and different ideas as to what we consider "weird" or downright "disgusting." Culture and traditions in different countries also dictate what types of foods generally are considered delicacies, and so while people in China may enjoy chicken feet, many Americans would shrug away a plate of these crispy bites. But with some foods and drinks, it is more than just a question of preference: Countries all over the world have their own lists of edible items that are banned from being imported or consumed.

There has been much talk about the U.S. government allowing Americans to consume ingredients that are banned in other countries, many of which are potentially harmful to our health. But on the other side of it, there are several food items other countries happily eat, which in the United States are put on the "No" list.

Federal and state governments in the States have either fully or partially banned several items, some of which might seem obvious — like the deadly Japanese blowfish — while others, quite surprising. Until this year, the popular European Kinder Surprise toy-filled chocolate egg was banned in the U.S., as the government thought the hidden toy was too dangerous for children. The legality of other items is still being debated: Formerly banned horse meat is slowly finding its way back to the legal side of meat industy, while the sought-after delicacy foie gras has been banned in California.

Are you eager to know more foods and drinks that are banned in America? Click here to see our slideshow of 10 Foods and Drinks Banned or Restricted in America.